New Jersey residents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, Temporary Disability Insurance, and ABLE accounts. This guide covers eligibility, application steps, state-specific supports, and how to manage benefits.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you must show that your symptoms severely limit your ability to work (SSDI) or meet income/resources limits (SSI). SSDI requires enough work credits based on your age, while SSI is needs-based. Both programs need medical evidence that ADHD severely impacts daily life and work; ADHD alone rarely qualifies unless it causes major functional problems. For SSDI, you must earn a certain number of work credits—most adults need 40 credits, 20 earned in the last 10 years before disability. Younger workers need fewer credits. You must also not earn above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit: $1,550 per month in 2025 for non-blind applicants.
New Jersey does not have a separate state disability program for ADHD, but residents may access Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) for short-term conditions if they have worked and paid into the system. To qualify for TDI, you must have worked 20 weeks earning at least $303 weekly, or earned $15,200 total in the base year before applying[5][6]. TDI covers serious mental health conditions that prevent work, but usually for a limited time. For longer-term support, Medicaid may cover services through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, but ADHD-specific waivers are rare; most waivers target physical or developmental disabilities. Contact your county Medicaid office to ask about available supports.
Start your application early—gather medical records, school/work history, and proof of income. For SSI/SSDI, apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. For New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance, file online via the NJ Department of Labor portal. For Medicaid, apply online at NJ FamilyCare or visit your county welfare office.
Federal programs (SSI/SSDI): Start by gathering your medical records, including ADHD diagnosis, treatment history, and statements from doctors or therapists showing how ADHD impacts your daily life. You will need work history (for SSDI) and proof of income/resources (for SSI). Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Expect follow-up requests for more information; respond quickly to avoid delays.
New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): If your ADHD prevents you from working temporarily, you may apply for TDI. Have your doctor complete a certification of disability. File your claim online through the NJ Department of Labor’s portal within 30 days of your last day worked. You will need your Social Security number, employer details, and wage information. Benefits are based on your earnings in the base year before your claim[3].
Medicaid: Apply online through NJ FamilyCare. You may need extra documentation if applying based on disability. Ask about HCBS waivers if you need long-term supports, but note that ADHD-specific waivers are not common.
ABLE Accounts: Open an ABLE account through the NJABLE program to save for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
SSI and SSDI are the main federal disability programs. SSDI is for those with enough work history; SSI is for those with limited income and resources. Both require proof that ADHD severely limits work or daily activities. Social Security reviews medical evidence and may request additional exams. You cannot earn above the SGA limit while receiving benefits.
New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) offers short-term cash benefits if you cannot work due to a serious mental health condition, including ADHD, for up to 26 weeks. In 2025, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,081, based on your earnings in the prior year. Both workers and employers contribute to the program through payroll deductions. To qualify, work 20 weeks earning at least $303 or earn $15,200 in the base year[3][5][6].
Family Leave Insurance (FLI) provides 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child, but ADHD itself does not qualify unless you are caring for a family member with a disability.
Medicaid may offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, but these are not ADHD-specific and focus on physical or developmental disabilities. Contact your county Medicaid office for details.
ABLE Accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing benefits—learn more on our ABLE Accounts guide.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save up to $18,000 per year (2025) without affecting SSI or Medicaid. The NJABLE program is open to New Jersey residents eligible for SSI/SSDI based on a disability before age 26. Funds can pay for education, housing, health, and other approved expenses. See our ABLE Accounts guide for details.
SSI income limits in 2025 are $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. Other income and resources (like cash, stocks, or property) must be below $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple). SSDI does not have strict income or resource limits, but you cannot work above the SGA limit ($1,550/month in 2025). New Jersey TDI benefits are based on your prior earnings, not strict income limits, but you must meet work history requirements[3][5].
You must report any income or changes in your situation (job, living situation, resources) to Social Security and/or New Jersey Medicaid. This helps avoid overpayments, which must be repaid. If you receive too much in benefits, set up a repayment plan. For more guidance, see our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
Focus on how ADHD impacts your daily life, not just your diagnosis. Gather school, work, and medical records that show your symptoms cause major problems with focus, organization, or completing tasks. Letters from doctors, therapists, teachers, or employers help strengthen your case for SSI, SSDI, or TDI.
New Jersey does not have an ADHD-specific waiver or program. Most state support comes through Temporary Disability Insurance (for short-term conditions) and Medicaid (for health coverage). For long-term daily supports, explore federal SSI/SSDI and Medicaid, and consider an ABLE account for savings.
ADHD may qualify for disability if it severely limits daily activities and work. Federal benefits (SSI/SSDI) require strong medical evidence. New Jersey’s Temporary Disability Insurance may cover ADHD if it temporarily prevents you from working and you meet work history requirements.
SSI is a needs-based program for those with limited income/resources, while SSDI depends on your work history and credits. Both require proof that ADHD severely limits your ability to work. For details, see our guide: [SSI vs SSDI](/guides/ssi-ssdi).
Yes, if your ADHD prevents you from working and you have worked enough in the past year. The maximum benefit is $1,081/week in 2025, based on your prior earnings[3]. File a claim with the NJ Department of Labor.
Medicaid waivers (HCBS) in New Jersey focus on physical and developmental disabilities—ADHD-specific waivers are rare. Medicaid may cover some therapies, but contact your county welfare office for details.
ABLE accounts let you save money for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. They are open to those with a disability onset before age 26. For details, see our [ABLE Accounts](/guides/able-accounts) guide.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Report all changes—employment, income, living situation—to Social Security to avoid overpayments. You can report online, by phone, or at your local office. See our [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes](/guides/overpayments-and-reporting) guide.
New Jersey TDI pays benefits for up to 26 weeks for a qualifying disability, including ADHD if it meets program rules[3]. The exact duration depends on your doctor’s certification and program review.
Yes, but your earnings cannot exceed the SGA limit ($1,550/month in 2025) for SSDI. SSI has strict income and resource limits. Special work incentives may help—see our [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives) guide.
Most denials can be appealed. Follow instructions on your denial letter, gather more medical evidence, and consider legal help from a disability attorney or nonprofit.
Use our [SSI Income Estimator](/tools/ssi-income-estimator) to estimate your eligibility based on current rules.
